The National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is a permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research. It replaced the Global Talent visa and the Business Innovation and Investment program in December 2024.
The National Innovation visa charge is A$6,235 for the main applicant (from 1 July 2026).
Who Can Get a National Innovation Visa
Home Affairs says you must:
- be invited to apply, after submitting an Expression of Interest, and lodge within 60 days of the invitation
- have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in one of the eligible areas
- have a nominator with a national reputation in your field: an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or an Australian organisation
- be in or outside Australia (but not in immigration clearance) when you apply and when the visa is decided
- meet health and character requirements
Applications are prioritised under Ministerial Direction No. 120, which sets the processing order and the indicators Home Affairs uses for exceptional and outstanding achievement.
What the Visa Costs
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,235 |
| Each additional applicant 18 or over | A$3,120 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | A$1,560 |
What You Get
- Permanent residence from the day of grant
- The right to live, work and study anywhere in Australia
- Medicare
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years
- A pathway to citizenship, if eligible
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the National Innovation visa the same as the Global Talent visa?
It replaced the Global Talent visa (and the Business Innovation and Investment program) in December 2024 and keeps the subclass 858 number, but the eligibility indicators and priority rules are new.
Can I apply without an invitation?
No. You must submit an Expression of Interest and be invited first.
How much does the National Innovation visa cost?
A$6,235 for the main applicant from 1 July 2026.
Get Help
Making the case for "exceptional and outstanding" achievement is mostly about evidence. A registered migration agent experienced with talent visas can tell you whether your record is likely to meet the bar. Tell us your situation and we'll introduce you to registered migration agents near you. It's free to ask.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Source: National Innovation visa (subclass 858), Department of Home Affairs.